Cozy Monday

This Old Homicide (Fixer-Upper Mystery #2) by Kate Carlisle (Obsidian mass-market paperback, 27 January 2015).

As usual, there's a lot going on in Shannon Hammer's life. Emily, one of her closest friends, has just purchased the old Rawley Mansion and has asked Shannon if her company can renovate it.  As a special favor for her friend, Shannon promises to make it liveable within a few months.

Meanwhile, Shannon is lieutenant to her oldest friend Jane, leader of the town's Festival Committee, which means that they're in the process of organizing the annual Valentine's Day Festival.  

Though in a rush to get to a committee meeting, she stops to check on her elderly next door neighbor, Jesse, whom she hasn't seen in a while. Shannon finds him dead, apparently due to a heart attack, but is surprised to see that his house is a complete mess, as though it's been searched.  

When it's determined that Jesse's death was a homicide, investigator's are at a loss for a motive. Jesse was known for his tall tales, but what if his stories about finding sunken treasure were true?

Shannon's not sure what she thinks, except that she must find out who killed her old friend.

It's great to see a female in a conventionally male profession as the protagonist of a traditional mystery.  Also wonderful is the fact that she has pink tools (so her staff doesn't take them by mistake), a circle of friends of both genders, and strong ties her hometown.  


The publisher has generously offered a copy of This Old Homicide to one of my readers.  Please comment below, including a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS, before midnight on February 9, 2015. Entries from the US only, please.

FTC Full Disclosure:  Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy of the book.